From the Deacon’s Desk 11-22-2020
Dear Friends:
Today we celebrate the feast of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It’s a celebration of the second coming of Jesus at the end of time. Our readings today are all about sheep and goats and who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Remember, even though Jesus is King of the Universe, he is still the Good Shepherd. Jesus speaks in parables like these regularly. Today we will hear from the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-46. I know we are all familiar with this reading. It simply tells us how to get into heaven.
Jesus is quite clear today that those who are prepared will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who live caring, generous and good lives will be the ones to accompany Jesus. Those who do not will be left behind. Those who took care of their brothers and sisters who were hurting, were actually taking care of Jesus himself. Once more we find Jesus taking the lesser position in the story. He tells those who took care of others that they earned a place with him. He tells those who did not care for others that there is no place for them in heaven, but their place will be in a much warmer climate.
We must all do what we can do to take care of our earth and all that God created. We must all do whatever we can to lighten the burden of those in our society who struggle with daily existence. We must take care of the animals and flora God created. We are not expected to do this all by ourselves! But we must do as much as we can for all of God’s creation.
Peace and All Good, Deacon Jim
Please take another look at the last paragraph above. This rings especially true in light of the election we just witnessed and the pandemic that continues to absorb our lives. Pray for peace and healing in our country and help for those who need it!